Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-07-30
LEONARD SWEETS BRIDE.
The Pleasant Story Of a Remarkable
Young Lady.
From the Chicago Herald.


From the Chicago Herald
Leonard SWEET, the famous Chicago lawyer, was
married at 8 O'Clock last evening to Miss Marie
Decker, one OF his law partners at the palace Of
Archpishop Feehan. 1t was private wedding
BESIDES the contracting parties there were present
only MISS Rose Skiliints, niece OF Mr.. SWEET, and
MI. ana Mrs G. Decker, parents OF the bride; her
Two brothers. Lewis and George and her three sisters
Gertrude Elise and Katie. Mr. SWEET is q widUwer
Il Els his wife died IN
cologne, on the Rhine, thirty years ago. She came
10 this city with her parents In 1863. Her father
Chicago considerable means which he invested In
m nSe ga ana property Al was ys, sweps way
fortunately, however, Miss Decker had been
well educated at Catholic converts in
than child, so that she brought to America with
her the ability to write and speak fiuently the
German, French and English languages, be-
laily music When the crash came In 1871,
and Mr.: and Mrs. Decker were left home
less les and without money, the eldest daugh,
aside her much-loved music amid the smoke and
the world Of business. Her knowledge OF book
keeping and command OF mathematics, her famil-
@ ofs sas and had her om the
humble beginning OF bOOkkeeper in a small
energy, and Abilities risen step BY step, first to
an important position in the post-otice under
postmaster Palmer, then to the chief clerkship
OF MT. SwettS law firm, later to partnership In
terest In the firm, and finally, to become the bride
OF the great lawyer at whose hands she sought
modest clerkship seven years ago.
For fifteen years She has served either in the ca
pacity OF clerk, book Keeper cashier, or manager,
and during that time has turned over to her
parents to assist in the support OF the family, In
addition to clothing herself the handsome sum OF
$4,000. 1t was with great feeling that her father,
whose scanty hair has become We'll whiIened with
reporter last evening his great joy On the one
hand and deep sorrow on the other at parting with
'She sprang up like light out of our dark
ness" he said 'and we had learned to forget mis-
fortunes under her Inspirations. But she Is going
and her place can never be filled. do not COM
useful"
1t would be impossible to tell the story of the
life OF Leonard Swetts bride in single news
paper article. Her first decided success was
achieved In the post-ofrice, where, In the man
Of the languages came into service, and her
accuracy and absolute reliability were re-
eognized by all. She had already esta blished
Giles when she presented herself seven years ago,
to Leonard SWEET for position in his law
o nG Her Application was at once accepted
pensable to the business starting out as book
keeper, she was soon placed In charge Of the
tduitos duU was Vic OHly Ouc COuuSCUcu Will Iuc
firm who knew where to place hands upon
important papers connected with all the
varied legal interests Entrusted with the firm.
In two years she became cashier, in addition
TO the other trusts, and has for four years
handled every dollar Of the firms immense law
business. Three years ago she was admitted as a
partner, her interest the first year yielding her
$4,000, the second IS, 500 and the last year over
$1,000 This growth is representative OF the iu-
crease OF MI. SWEETS business since he regained
his health, which he claims is largely due to her
abilities.
"She keeps books" said member OF the firm,
Gin double entry, and renders balance sheet
every month that for neatness and accuracy cam
not be surpassed in the largest banking house in
Chicago" During Mr.. SWEETS illness, when for
two or three years he was travelling in the South
and other parts for his health, Miss Decker-the
bride OF tO-day-waS the mainStay OF the business.
She 1t was who looked after the collection OF fees
and kept the business intact, remitting funds to
the sick man abroad and to the late invalid wife
at home, proving herself equal to the most serious
emergency. These were days when Leonard
Swetts law business was on the decline, when,
through sickness, he was losing clients. but Miss
Decker held on to the reinS OF the financial side
and weathered the storm.